So what are you doing for Scottish nature? – Nicola Bell

Over the past month or so, life as we know it in Scotland has changed on an unthinkable scale. While we face many challenges going forward it is heartening to know there are businesses, schools, individuals, groups and organisations across the country who, once it is safe to do so, hope to return to helping Scotland’s precious wildlife and habitats.

Loch Carron, Wester Ross ... picture by Donald MacLeod 19.12.06

Helping to protect nature and save threatened species and habitats takes time, commitment and effort over many months and years. Scotland is renowned for everything from internationally important peatlands to our waterways and oceans which store vast quantities of carbon, to the wildlife that lives here and helps to balance diverse eco-systems.

Here at RSPB Scotland, we recognise and celebrate those from across the country working tirelessly to protect nature and our natural places through the Nature of Scotland Awards, a charity event co-sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage which showcases the very best in nature conservation.

The awards are now in their ninth year and since 2012 more than 300 individuals, organisations, schools, project and businesses have been shortlisted for an award, with over 70 of them going on to win for their dedication to Scottish nature. During times of crisis nature can really help to raise our spirits and we want to shine a spotlight on those going the extra mile for nature over the past year.

Nicola Bell, Projects and Events Manager, RSPB Scotland

The competition is free to enter, and we are seeking nominations and applications across nine award categories: Business, Coasts and Waters, Community Initiative, Conservation Science, Forest and Woodland, Innovation, Nature and Climate Action, RSPB Species Champion, and Youth and Education. We want to hear about the community groups, individuals, businesses, schools, youth groups and other organisations working for the benefit of the environment.

One of the new categories for the awards in 2020 will celebrate individuals, projects and organisations who can demonstrate the clear and definitive steps that they are taking to save nature and to mitigate or adapt to climate change.

The Nature and Climate Action Award recognises the link between the climate challenges we face and the importance of the nature-based solutions being implemented to reverse the unprecedented loss of biodiversity and to assist with reversing the trend of climate change. Nominees in this category will need to demonstrate urgency in their actions, have impact in multiple sectors and engage with innovative ideas or technology to create a solution.

The second new category, the Forest and Woodland Award, will recognise those who place nature and wildlife at the heart of their sustainable forest and woodland creation and management activities, bringing benefits for wildlife and people.

As showcased by our 2019 shortlisted nominees, age is no barrier to achievement in nature conservation, with the young environmental activist Holly Gillibrand highly commended for her campaigning work which included being one of the first Scottish #FridaysForFuture activists. In April 2019 Holly joined Greta Thunberg at Westminster cross-party talks, appealing to politicians take climate change more seriously, leading to her local MP hailing her as “exemplary” in her efforts in the fight against climate change.

Celebrating the contribution that young people play in saving nature is essential towards making positive changes now and in the future. The winners of last year’s Youth and Education Award, Sunnyside Primary, believe that we are all custodians of nature and that we all have a responsibility to protect it. From taking part in Scottish Government consultations to initiating their own campaigns – including the fight against the plague of pollution in our oceans as Ocean Defenders – these school pupils ensure nature has a voice and inspire others across Scotland to do their bit too.

Our Coasts and Waters Award returns for a second year to reflect the VisitScotland-led Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, highlighting the importance of our lochs, rivers and seas to nature. With over 18,000km of coastline, around 31,000 lochs and hundreds of miles of rivers and canals, these places are significant habitats in Scotland and this award will recognise those who help nature thrive in marine and freshwater environments. Winning the award in 2019, Seasearch trains citizen science divers to identify and form an evidence base for underwater places worthy of protection. In their 30 years, the project has assisted with the protection of six inshore Marine Protected Areas in 2014 including Loch Goil and Loch Carron in 2019.

The application closing date for the Nature of Scotland Awards 2020 is Monday 1 June. For more details and to download an application form visit rspb.org.uk/natureofscotland.

Nicola Bell, Projects and Events Manager, RSPB Scotland